UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledges error in appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer conceded on Monday that his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington was mistaken. Starmer stated he would not have made the appointment had he known Mandelson failed security checks. The prime minister's explanation was met with jeers from opposition lawmakers who expressed disbelief that he was unaware of such crucial information. Mandelson is known to have been a friend of Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer acknowledged that many would find these facts incredible, agreeing that they beggar belief. Despite admitting the error, the prime minister resisted calls for his resignation.